Necevski Extends Harbour Stay

In a major boost for Sydney FC on the eve of their 2009/10 Hyundai A-League Grand Final appearance, Sky Blues goalkeeper Ivan Necevski has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the club.

In a major boost for Sydney FC on the eve of their 2009/10 Hyundai A-League Grand Final appearance, Sky Blues goalkeeper Ivan Necevski has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the club.

Necevski will start his fourth season with Sydney FC after joining the club at the beginning of the 2007/08 A-League season.

The 29-year-old has deputised Clint Bolton during his time in the Harbour City and alongside goalkeeping coach John Filan, the trio have established a strong partnership.

“I am very pleased to be staying with Sydney FC. I am a Sydney boy, I wanted to stay here and I have a young family so I am happy,” Necevski said.

“The club sees me as part of its plans and future and I wanted to be where my best interests lie, where I will get the most game time and exposure.

“It is always a good feeling when the club offers you a contract. It is really positive.”

After making one appearance in 2007/08, Necevski-s chance to shine came midway through the following season after injury to Bolton and he took the opportunity with both hands.

In 11 impressive appearances, Necevski kept four clean sheets and pulled off a number of world class saves.

“The coaching staff at the club, Vitezslav (Lavicka), Tony (Popovic), Michael (Zach) and John (Filan), have a lot to do with the success we have had this season,” Necevski said.

“Our training has been outstanding and it is a massive factor in why Clint is doing so well this season. We work extremely hard on the training pitch and I am pushing him and we are getting to new levels.

“I had a massive preseason and did really well but Clint has been great. We push each other and work very hard.”

Necevski began his A-League career with the New Zealand Knights in 2006 but after two pre-season appearances moved to the Newcastle Jets.

His A-League debut would be a day he would never forget. After replacing Ben Kennedy 11 minutes into a match against Melbourne, he kept the Victory at bay to record a 1-0 win in front of 27,000 fans.

Following his time with Newcastle, Necevski played an integral role in Blacktown City's 2007 New South Wales Premier League Grand Final-winning squad before joining Sydney FC.